Jean-Luc Mélenchon poses ahead of an interview on the French TV channel TF1's evening news program where he announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election on May 3, 2026.Julie Sebadelha/AFP via Getty Images

Left-wing Mélenchon announces 2027 run for French presidency – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

PARIS — Jean-Luc Mélenchon announced his fourth run for French president on Sunday, becoming one of the highest-profile candidates to formally join the race to replace term-limited Emmanuel Macron next year.

“Yes, I am a candidate,” the 74-year-old leftist said in an interview with French broadcaster TF1, describing himself as best suited to face “an agitated season in global history” — pointing to geopolitical, economic and environmental risks.

Mélenchon, who quit the center-left Socialist Party nearly two decades ago to push for a more radical brand of politics, was the best-placed left-wing candidate in the last two presidential elections, finishing a close third behind his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in 2022.